Italian soccer player Mario Ferri came into the world’s attention after he ran onto the field during the World Cup match between Portugal and Uruguay, holding a rainbow flag, which is banned at the World Cup in Qatar. He was immediately arrested, and now he explained what happened that night.
Ferri managed to briefly break up the match between Portugal and Uruguay in the 51st minute, and the live broadcast showed someone running onto the pitch waving a rainbow flag, which is known to be banned at the World Cup in Qatar.
Later it became known that it was a soccer player who plays in the lower league of Italy, and in addition to the rainbow flag, he had several other messages on the shirt, among others, “Save Ukraine” and “Respect the Iranian women.”
Stadium security quickly managed to subdue the Italian who didn’t put up much of a fight about it and knew he could be severely punished.
Ferry was immediately arrested by the Qatari police, and many believed he would be severely punished for breaking Qatar’s strict laws.
However, it was not the first time for him to do this as he has already become the “standard” when it comes to running the pitch, having done it before in the World Cups in South Africa and Brazil, Champions League matches and some other matches.
Afterwards, Ferri spoke publicly and many were surprised that he was released so quickly, and he admitted that he was helped in everything by the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, who was previously familiar with what this countryman had done.
“I had a very difficult night, but I was not in prison but in the police station.” I was surprised when Infantino came at four in the morning to help me. It was the first time we met, but obviously he already knew about me,” Ferri says and adds.
“He came in and said, ‘You again, why?’ “Qatar is very dangerous for you.” I told him that I did it because I wanted to send very important messages. I want to run on the field and make those important plays. I always do this with good intentions and with positive messages like these.”
Ferri is still an active footballer and currently plays for Italian lower league side Castel di Sangra.
